News Release

ADF International’s Kelsey Zorzi Elected President of the UN’s NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Ms. Zorzi’s term at the United Nations started on 19 June; ADF International supports Ms. Zorzi in her new role

22 Jun 2017

New York - On 19 June, Kelsey Zorzi, UN counsel for ADF International, started her term as Acting President of the UN’s NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The Committee, acting within the United Nations headquarters in New York City, is responsible for protecting the rights of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief. As UN Counsel, Ms. Zorzi leads ADF International’s efforts to stop the genocide of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East and to bring the perpetrators to justice. In her role as Acting President, Ms. Zorzi will continue her work to promote religious freedom and the inherent value and dignity of every person.

“I feel extremely honored to be elected to fulfill my duty as Acting President of the Committee. The rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief are core values of a free society, protected by major human rights treaties. We have an obligation to prevent violations of people’s inherent freedoms. No person or group should live in fear of being killed, tortured, or oppressed because of their deeply held convictions. Around the world, religious minorities are being persecutedbecause of their faith. We need to find effective ways to protect religious freedom worldwide,” said Kelsey Zorzi, UN counsel for ADF International and Acting President of the UN NGO Committee on FoRB.